The Kyambura Gorge, the valley of the apes, also known as Kyambura Game Reserve is a section of Queen Elizabeth National Park or the Mweya (as it is referred to locally) in the lower Western part of Uganda, just a few minutes from Irungu forest safari lodge and campsite. Like most of Uganda safari visitors into the Queen Elizabeth National park, your next visit may include an offer of a tour of this amazing gorge. So, what should you look out for on your next visit?
Marvel at the Gorge itself
Approximately 1 km across – at its broadest point and about 100 meters deep, this gorge is actually drained by River Kayambura. The landscape is among the most impressive you will find in Uganda.
Chimpanzees (chimp tracking)
Kyambura Gorge is famous for its habituated primate population. This habituation process, which took close to 2 years means that these chimpanzees are familiar with humans and can carry on their day to day activities in the presence of humans with minimal tension. So, if you are the kind that has always dreamed of taking a photo up close with primates, Kyambura may be your answer.
Guided Nature Walks
The moment you enter this amazing Gorge, you will be greeted by the rich Tropical Rain-forest right close to the Equator crossing. While the Savannah above has a reasonable amount of light that offers brightness, the tree canopy within this under-ground forest comprised of rich blocks of plant life shut out most of the sun rays—it’s a real marvel!
Birding
On top of the exciting scenery and the primate experience, the kyambura gorge also supports a diversity of bird species such as the Martial Eagle, Bar-tailed Godwit, Black-rumped Buttonquail, Shoebill, African Skimmer, Lesser plus Greater Flamingo, Chapin’s Flycatcher, White-tailed Lark, Corncrake, Pink-backed Pelican, Verreaux’s Eagle Owl, Papyrus Canary, White-winged Warbler, African Broadbill, Papyrus Gonolek and the Black Bee-eater are commonly seen.
Have you been to the kyambura gorge before? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below.
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